County parks: Free guided walks
– Barrier Islands Guided Walk Tuesday, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Visit Bowditch Point Park to learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem and how they protect the mainland. Explore the beach front tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub, and wetland plant communities. Program is free with $2 per hour paid parking. Bowditch Point Park is located at 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
– Bird Patrol Tours Saturday, Nov, 13, 9-11 a.m.
Bunche Beach is known as one of the best birding sites in Lee County. Join our Lee County Bird Patrol volunteers as they share information on the contribution birds make to the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Bring binoculars, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray and drinking water. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach. This is a free walk and parking is $1 per hour. Bunche Beach is located at 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. To find out more information on birding visit www.birdpatrol.org, visit our website at www.leeparks.org, or call (239) 533-7444.
– Low Tide Loafing at Sunset Tuesday, Nov 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join a naturalist and leisurely explore the mud flats to see what mysteries the low tide reveals while enjoying our spectacular Florida sunset. Bring your camera, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray, and drinking water. Days and times will vary due to tide and sunset. Meet in the parking area by the beach. This is a free walk and parking is $1 per hour. Bunche Beach is located at 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information, visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444.
– Matanzas Mangrove Walk Thursday, Nov. 4, 11, and 18, 9:30-11 a.m.
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands and mangrove forest. No walk on Thanksgiving Day. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Rd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
– Exploring Ethnobotany Wednesday, Nov. 24, 9:30-11 a.m.
Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Find out about the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans. This program is offeredthe last Wednesday of every month. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early.Meetat the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 BayRoad, Fort Myers Beach. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444.
– Stress Detox Wednesday, Nov. 10, 9:30-11 a.m.
Relieve stress in a calm, natural preserve setting. Enjoy a short walk, and practice skills to create individual stress detox as inspired by natural ecosystems. Join a Florida Master Naturalist for this quieting event. This program is offered on the second Wednesday of each month. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.